Paul Snowden is full of confidence that classy colt Kuroshio can record his second straight victory in open company when he contests the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield this Saturday.
Paul Snowden expects Kuroshio to be very hard to beat in the Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Kuroshio showed plenty of potential as a two-year-old, defeating Dissident and Fast ‘N’ Rocking to win the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) during the autumn, but failed to fire when he stepped up in class in the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m) and the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m).
The Exceed And Excel colt returned to the races in the Group 3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on August 17 but finished at the tail of the field after he was wound up in the barriers by Gai Waterhouse-trained Whittington who was scratched from the event.
Kuroshio was given his first opportunity against open company in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on (1000m) and recorded an upset victory; going straight to the lead and racing away from the rest of the field, that included Group 1 winners Moment Of Change and Platelet, to record a dominant two length victory.
Snowden said that the three-year-old has continued to improve and rates him an excellent winning chance against a Schillaci Stakes field that lacks the quality which has been present in recent years.
“Certainly the class of horse is not there that usually is and that has to work in our favor,” Snowden told TVN.
“The horse is flying, just low-flying
“He’s probably carrying more than he should with it being weight-for-age, but he’s in great shape and never been going better.
“He is flying, he has done nothing wrong since his last start and I am anticipating him being very hard to beat on Saturday.”
Kuroshio ($2.30) is a clear favourite in 2013 Schillaci Stakes betting markets; with his biggest competition expected to come from consistent gelding Unpretentious ($4.20), Leon Corstens-trained Snitzem ($7.50) and Aurie’s Star Handicap winner Broken ($8.50).
The Schillaci Stakes has been won by some of Australia leading sprinters in the last decade; with Miss Andretti (2006), Gold Edition (2007), Wilander (2008), Black Caviar (2010 and 2011) and Buffering (2012) all successful in the Group 2 event.
